Old Mutual Actuarial Science Bursary Programme 2026

If you are strong in Mathematics and interested in one of the highest-paying and most respected careers in South Africa’s financial sector, the Old Mutual Actuarial Science Bursary Programme is one of the most powerful opportunities you can apply for right now.

Check if you Qualify for these Bursaries before you Apply!

Actuarial Science bursaries are rare, competitive, and extremely valuable because they support students through a demanding professional pathway that leads to becoming a qualified actuary. Old Mutual’s programme goes even further by offering full financial support, structured career development, and a clear pathway into employment after graduation.

Quick Overview

Opportunity: Old Mutual Actuarial Science Bursary Programme 2026
Organisation: Old Mutual Limited
Field: Actuarial Science / Accounting Science pathway
Location: Selected South African universities
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, meals, study materials, travel support
Closing Date: 30 May 2026 (23:59)
Eligibility: Strong Mathematics learners pursuing actuarial careers
Assessment Process: Gamified assessment + psychometrics + interview
Employment Pathway: Yes (post-study commitment required)
Application Link: www.oldmutual.co.za/careers/actuarial-bursary

What the Old Mutual Actuarial Bursary Covers

The Old Mutual Actuarial Science Bursary Programme is considered a full-support bursary, meaning it covers major academic and living costs.

Successful students receive funding for:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation (residence)
• Meals
• Study materials
• Return travel home (if studying away from home)
• Academic incentives for strong performance

Support continues for the full duration of your degree, provided academic progress is maintained.

Students who perform exceptionally well may also receive additional incentives during their studies.

This level of support removes financial pressure and allows students to focus entirely on academic success.

Universities Supported Under the Programme

To qualify for the bursary, applicants must apply or already be studying at one of the following institutions:

• University of Cape Town
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand
• Stellenbosch University
• North-West University
• University of the Free State
• University of Johannesburg
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (note: no longer ASSA accredited)

ASSA accreditation matters because it ensures your programme supports professional actuarial qualification pathways.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

To apply successfully, you must meet the following academic and general requirements.

General Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be committed to qualifying as actuaries
• Be willing to work for Old Mutual after graduation
• Apply or be accepted to one of the listed universities
• Submit a complete application with supporting documents

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have:

• At least 80% in Mathematics
• At least 60% in English Home Language
• OR 70% in English First Additional Language
• At least 70% in all other subjects

These requirements confirm the programme targets high-performing learners with strong analytical ability.

Skills Old Mutual Looks For in Candidates

Beyond marks, the selection team evaluates potential future actuaries using competency indicators.

Key technical skills include:

• Data analysis
• Data compilation
• Information management
• Numerical reasoning
• Risk management understanding
• Planning and organisation

Key behavioural competencies include:

• Action orientation
• Resilience
• Accountability
• Communication skills
• Financial awareness
• Trustworthiness
• Network-building ability
• Ability to manage complexity

These competencies reflect what employers expect from future actuarial professionals.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants must prepare the following supporting documents before applying.

Required documents include:

• One-page CV
• Completed bursary motivation form
• Grade 10 school results
• Grade 11 school results
• Grade 12 Term 1 results
• Matric certificate (if available)
• University acceptance letter (if available)
• Full academic transcript (for current university students)
• Certified copy of ID

Incomplete applications are not considered.

Prepare these documents early to avoid last-minute problems before the deadline.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the Old Mutual careers portal.

Here is how the process works.

Step 1: Download the Motivation Form

Applicants must complete the official bursary motivation document explaining:

• Career goals
• Why Actuarial Science
• Why Old Mutual
• Personal strengths

This document plays a major role in shortlisting decisions.

Step 2: Submit Online Application here

The application includes:

• Personal details
• Academic information
• Document uploads
• One-page CV submission

Step 3: Complete the Gamified Assessment

• Applicants complete a behavioural and reasoning-based gamified assessment.
• Important note:
• This assessment is not timed, which reduces pressure and allows candidates to perform at their best.

Step 4: Psychometric Testing

Shortlisted candidates receive additional assessment links.

These tests evaluate:

• reasoning ability
• personality fit
• problem-solving style
• workplace readiness

Step 5: Virtual Interview Stage

Top 30 candidates are invited to interviews.

Interview panels evaluate:

• motivation
• communication skills
• actuarial commitment
• career understanding

Step 6: Provisional Offer

Selected candidates receive conditional bursary offers.

Final confirmation depends on:

• final matric results
• university acceptance confirmation

Important Selection Preference Criteria

Preference may be given to applicants who:

• Come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
• Demonstrate financial need
• Belong to under-represented designated groups
• Are candidates with disabilities

This aligns with transformation goals in South Africa’s financial sector.

Commitment After Graduation

Because Old Mutual invests heavily in bursary recipients, selected students must commit to working for the company after graduation.

This creates a structured pathway from university into employment.

For many students, this is a major advantage rather than a limitation because it removes uncertainty after completing studies.

Edupstairs Advice for Applicants

Because Edupstairs supports thousands of South African youth applying for bursaries each year, here is practical advice that improves success rates.

Before applying:

• Prepare a strong one-page CV
• Write a focused motivation letter
• Highlight Mathematics performance clearly
• Demonstrate long-term actuarial commitment
• Research the actuarial profession properly

During assessment:

• Stay calm during gamified testing
• Answer honestly
• Demonstrate analytical thinking
• Show resilience and curiosity

During interviews:

Explain clearly:

• why you chose Actuarial Science
• why Old Mutual
• what career impact you want to make

Students who show purpose and preparation stand out strongly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can Grade 11 learners apply?

Yes. Applications are accepted from learners currently completing matric as well as those already studying at university.

• Is this bursary only for Actuarial Science?

Primary focus is Actuarial Science, but Accounting Science pathways may also be considered depending on programme alignment.

• Does the bursary guarantee employment?

Yes. Successful candidates are expected to work at Old Mutual after graduation.

• Do I need university acceptance before applying?

Not necessarily. However, acceptance confirmation is required before final bursary approval.

• Is there an interview stage?

Yes. Top candidates are invited to a virtual interview.

• Is the assessment timed?

No. The gamified assessment is not timed.

CLOSING DATE: 30 MAY 2026

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• Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates

Disclaimers

Edupstairs publishes opportunity explainers to help South African youth access verified education and employment pathways.

Applicants must:

• confirm details on the official Old Mutual website
• submit accurate documentation
• meet all academic thresholds
• apply before the closing date

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY